It runs parallel to the Pasig River from the Nagtahan Interchange south-westwards to Ayala Bridge.

[4][5] It was named after Don José Vicente Menéndez de Avilés, count of Avilés, who financed the extension of the street to the Rotonda de Sampaloc, which is now the Nagtahan Interchange.

[7] In 1959, the street was renamed to its present name in honor of former President José Paciano Laurel.

[8] Other notable buildings along the street include Casa Roces, the College of the Holy Spirit, the National Shrine of Saint Jude, the National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels and the Philippine Commission on Women.

Public access to Laurel Street is generally restricted for security reasons.